TOP OF THE KOP: Gerrard knows Liverpool have a great chance of claiming the title for the first time since 1990 [GETTY]

The Liverpool skipper is too wise after a lifetime in football and too battle-hardened to get carried away with loose talk about lifting the one trophy to have so far evaded his grasp.

But with seven games to go, including this afternoon’s clash with Spurs, Gerrard admits being crowned a champion after 16 years with his one and only club is definitely on his mind.

The nervous midweek victory over Sunderland took Gerrard and his team one huge step closer to the trophy last won by Liverpool back in 1990.

It is the one that he wants to go alongside his Champions League medal, one UEFA Cup, two FA Cups and three League Cups. And it would represent the best birthday present Gerrard will ever celebrate when he turns 34 in May.

Gerro said: “We know the prize at the end for us this season and we know we can’t afford to underperform, take anyone lightly or go into a game with the wrong mentality.

“If we do that we will slip up for sure and then we will be out of it. Do I dare believe? I try not to. But don’t get me wrong, winning the title flashes in and out of my mind from time to time.

TITLE CHANCE: Liverpool know their fate is in their hands with a series of crunch home ties to come [GETTY]

“We are experienced, though, and I know this is a ruthless league. One bad performance or one bad error could lead to a draw or defeat.

“So that’s why we have to stay focused and just think of the next game. The message has to be that we have won nothing yet. We are involved in the title race now.

“There’s no getting away from that. We can’t deny that. That would be stupid. But from experience I know you can never afford to get carried away.